How to Plant Dracaena Outdoors

Dracaenas tolerate the sunny and shady areas of the garden.

Dracaenas (Dracaena spp.) are popular houseplants because they need little light and maintenance to thrive. However, they can also be grown in the garden in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 10 and 11. Any area of the landscape will suffice because Dracaenas grow well in sun and shade. Consider growing Dracaenas as a backdrop for smaller, more colorful flowering plants, as accent shrubs in the garden or in a row to create a border.

Things You'll Need

• Tiller, hoe or rake
• Organic matter
• Shovel or trowel

Instructions

1. Amend the top 8 to 12 inches of soil with 4 or 5 inches of compost, peat moss or another type of organic matter. Dracaenas tolerate most soil types, but they thrive in well-draining, fertile soil.

2. Shovel out a hole for the Dracaena that is the same depth and two times as wide as its current pot. Space multiple Dracaena plants 36 to 60 inches apart.

3. Remove the Dracaena from its pot. You may need to tap the sides of the pot, or slide a knife between the soil and pot to loosen it. Gently tug on the plant near the base to remove it.

4. Set the Dracaena in the hole, and backfill the soil to fill it in, patting lightly to remove any air pockets.

5. Provide the newly planted Dracaena with 1 inch of water to hydrate it and help settle the soil.

Tips & Warnings

• In cooler climates, grow a Dracaena indoors as a potted plant, then move it outdoors for the summer.

References

• University of Florida; Dracaena Marginata ‘Tricolor’; Edward F. Gilman

Resources

• Clemson Cooperative Extension: Dracaena; Karen Russ and Al Pertuit
• The U.S. National Arboretum: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map